Name: Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 4-6 oz salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced; 1/2 cup tomato, diced; 2 tablespoons onion, diced; 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and guilt-free, this Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s bright, fresh, and packed with flavors that scream summer on your plate.

A white plate holds a piece of cooked salmon with a golden brown crust and pink flaky inside, topped with a colorful mix of avocado cubes, red tomato pieces, and small white onion chunks, all seasoned with black pepper and green herbs, with a silver fork placed to the left and the background showing a white marbled surface and blurred green lime wedge, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited about this dish—it’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something healthy but still full of personality and texture. The creamy avocado salsa beautifully balances the smoky, spiced salmon, giving every bite a fresh zing that’s hard to beat.

Quick to Prepare: You’ll have dinner on the table in just about 22 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Nourishing: Low-carb and paleo-friendly, it fuels your body without compromising on flavor.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you grill, pan-sear, or bake, the salmon stays tender and delicious.
Vibrant, Fresh Flavors: The avocado salsa adds a creamy, zesty finish that makes this dish stand out.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and quality ingredients. When shopping, prioritize fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best taste and sustainability, and make sure your avocado is ripe and buttery-soft to achieve that perfect creamy salsa texture.

Flat lay of two raw salmon fillets with vibrant pink flesh and silver skin, a ripe halved avocado with bright green flesh and visible pit, diced red tomatoes in a small white ceramic bowl, diced white onion in a small white ceramic bowl, fresh green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, a single uncracked garlic clove, and small white ceramic bowls holding ground chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, all ingredients neatly arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught if possible, they provide rich flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
Olive Oil: Used for both seasoning and the salsa, it adds a lovely, fruity richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced or crushed garlic brings a punch of savory depth to the spice rub.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder: These spices create a warm, smoky backbone that complements the salmon perfectly.
Black Pepper & Salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering.
Ripe Avocado: The star of the salsa, it adds creamy texture and buttery flavor.
Tomato: Brings brightness and a slight acidity to balance the richness of the avocado and fish.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness, rounding out the salsa.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it lifts the salsa with herbal notes.
Lime Juice: Provides a zesty punch that brightens the entire dish.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): To finalize seasoning balances and highlight all ingredients.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your flavor preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to spice it up or keep it mild, add seasonal twists, or even switch up cooking methods, let your taste buds lead the way!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado salsa for an extra burst of heat—it pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled salmon.
Fresh Herbs: Swap cilantro for fresh basil or parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. It changes the salsa’s character but keeps it bright and fresh.
Cooking Style: While grilling gives that perfect char and smoky flavor, I sometimes pan-sear the salmon for a crispy skin, or bake it at 425°F for 12 minutes when the weather isn’t grill-friendly.
Seasonal Touches: In summer, add diced mango or pineapple to the salsa for a tropical twist. In cooler months, roasted cherry tomatoes add a deeper sweetness.
Dietary Tweaks: This recipe is already paleo, Whole30, and low-carb friendly. For a Whole30 strict version, just ensure your hot sauce and other condiments are compliant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three pieces of grilled salmon laid flat on the surface. On top of the salmon, there is a colorful salad made of green avocado chunks, halved red cherry tomatoes, small pieces of purple onion, and chopped green herbs scattered throughout. Around the salmon pieces, there are three lime wedges placed around the edges of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled texture with a light gray cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Spice Mixture

Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 clove of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and onion powder, plus ¼ teaspoon each of black pepper and salt in a small bowl. The aroma of garlic blended with warm spices will tease your senses and get you excited for the flavors ahead.

Step 2: Coat Your Salmon with Flavor

Brush or rub that vibrant spice mixture evenly over both sides of your 2 fresh salmon fillets (each about 4-6 ounces). Make sure every inch is coated—the oil helps the spices cling and promotes a beautiful crust when cooking.

Step 3: Perfectly Cook the Salmon

Heat your grill or a heavy-duty non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down first to get a crisp, flavorful base. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. You’ll know it’s done when the fish separates gently, remaining moist and tender inside.

Step 4: Blend the Fresh Avocado Salsa

In a large bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, ½ cup diced tomato, 2 tablespoons diced onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together so the avocado stays creamy and chunky at the same time—this salsa is the perfect cool, zesty contrast to the warm salmon.

Step 5: Plate and Serve Immediately

Once your salmon is beautifully cooked, transfer it to plates and top each fillet with a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Serve right away for maximum freshness and flavor harmony—you’ll love the balance of smoky, spicy salmon with mellow, creamy avocado.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect balance of smoky grilled salmon and creamy, zesty avocado salsa can be a breeze with a few insider tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Even Cooking: I always make sure the grill or pan is properly preheated to medium-high before adding the salmon. This helps get that beautiful sear and ensures it cooks evenly in about 5-6 minutes per side.
Fresh Avocado Matters: Using a perfectly ripe avocado is key for that creamy salsa texture. I learned the hard way that underripe avocado makes the salsa dry and less flavorful.
Gentle Mixing: When combining the avocado salsa ingredients, I stir gently to keep the avocado pieces chunky instead of mashing them into a guacamole.
No Overcooking: Avoid the temptation of cooking salmon too long. Overcooking dries it out quickly, so aim for just until it flakes easily with a fork—about 12 minutes total.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe

Two rectangular pieces of cooked salmon are placed side by side on a white plate. Each piece is a bright orange color with a shiny, oily surface, speckled with small black spices and herbs. A reddish-brown oily sauce with a slightly thick texture pools around the salmon, coloring the plate and adding a glistening effect. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or a few thin lime wedges on the side. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika over the salsa adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This grilled salmon pairs beautifully with simple, light sides like steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp mixed green salad. For something heartier, try cauliflower rice or a quinoa salad to keep the meal paleo and low-carb friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled salmon and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salsa is best consumed within 1 day to enjoy its freshness and vibrant flavor. The salmon will stay good for up to 2 days refrigerated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month for best quality. The avocado salsa doesn’t freeze well because of its creamy texture, so make it fresh when you plan to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftover grilled salmon gently in a low oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes or until just warmed through. This helps keep the fish moist and tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out. Always add fresh avocado salsa once the salmon is reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake the grilled salmon instead of grilling?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking, cook the seasoned salmon at 425°F for about 12 minutes. It results in tender, flavorful salmon that's just as delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh lime juice?

While fresh lime juice brightens the salsa the best, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just start with less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the avocado salsa.

Is this dish suitable for Whole30 and paleo diets?

Yes! The Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe is naturally paleo and Whole30-friendly, made with whole foods and no added sugars or processed ingredients.

Can I add some heat to the avocado salsa?

Definitely. If you like a little spice, try stirring in a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the avocado salsa for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Creamy Avocado Salsa Recipe is one of those meals that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with guests. The combination of smoky, seasoned salmon and bright, creamy salsa keeps every bite fresh and satisfying — a true crowd-pleaser for anyone chasing a healthy, flavorful dish. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!